The 2014 Jeep Cherokee comes in four different trims with two available engines. Though available in front-wheel-drive, 4-wheel-drive is also available across all trim levels, some trims even including it as standard equipment.
The basic engine in the Cherokee is a 2.4L 4-cylinder unit that produces 184 horsepower. When mated to the standard 9-speed automatic and front-wheel-drive, the 2014 Cherokee is capable of up to 31 mpg on the highway. The more powerful optional engine is a 3.2L V6, which produces 271 horsepower and gives the Cherokee quite good acceleration for its class. This engine is also mated to the same 9-speed transmission used in the 4-cylinder version.
The base Cherokee is nicely equipped with standard items such as 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, automatic windows and door locks, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary inputs for the stereo, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls and a 5-inch touchscreen.
The next level up is the Latitude trim. It includes everything in the base model along with aluminum wheels, body-colored exterior mirrors and door handles, roof rails, projector beam foglamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and tinted privacy glass
Step up to the Limited trim and things begin to get quite luxurious. Limited Cherokees get leather seats, 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a heated steering wheel, a nicer instrument cluster, an 8.4-inch color touchscreen display, an 8-way power adjustable driver's seat, a backup camera, satellite radio connectivity, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights among other things.
The Trailhawk edition steps away from luxury and instead concentrates on off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk Cherokee includes a much nicer 4-wheel-drive system with a locking differential for ultimate grip in low traction environments. It also has more undercar protection and a one-inch lift in the suspension. Interior amenities echo what's included in the Latitude trim; however the Trailhawk does come standard with the bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen from the Limited.
Safety features on the Cherokee include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, hill-start control and ten airbags. Optional safety features include park assist, a forward collision warning system, a roadside assistance button and a blind spot monitoring system.
Good Ground Clearance
Available All-wheel-drive
Roomy Interior
Well Equipped
Bold Styling
Excellent Value
The Jeep Cherokee is all new for 2014. It features bold new styling that is immediately recognizable, yet bears little resemblance to its predecessor. Far more aerodynamic than the design it replaced, the new design helps the 2014 Cherokee achieve some eyebrow-raising mileage numbers. Behind that styling is a modern, powerful and efficient vehicle that features bountiful interior amenities and if properly equipped, off-road goodies.
The Cherokee is a compact SUV competing with vehicles such as the RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. Unlike its competitors from Toyota and Honda, the Cherokee has been around for a long time and has steadily built a reputation for ruggedness and off-road ability, all without forcing buyers to break the bank. The 2014 Cherokee maintains this tradition with competitive pricing starting at just under $23,000. While the Cherokee and its competitors are both offered with all-wheel-drive, the Cherokee can also be equipped with more hard core off-roading equipment, such as a locking rear differential.
